De facto segregation

1963
None

De facto segregation refers to a situation where segregation occurs in practice, even though there may not be any official laws or policies enforcing it. This type of segregation is often a result of socioeconomic factors, residential patterns, and cultural preferences, rather than explicit legal mandates.

De facto segregation commonly occurred in the United States during the 20th century, particularly in the South, even after the legal end of racial segregation following the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. Despite the ruling, many communities and institutions, such as schools, housing, and public facilities, remained segregated due to various forms of discrimination, including restrictive covenants, white flight, and discriminatory lending practices.

De facto segregation is considered more difficult to address compared to de jure segregation (segregation by law), as it does not involve overtly discriminatory policies that can be easily challenged in court. Efforts to address de facto segregation often involve initiatives to combat systemic racism, promote diversity, and create inclusive policies and programs.

Further reading

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